Gamecock fans welcome back women’s basketball team after national title win

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — The champs are back in town.

The South Carolina women’s basketball team returned to Columbia this afternoon to fans welcoming them home.

“We don’t lose very many times in this place because of the environment that you all create,” said head coach Dawn Staley.

In fact, Staley’s team have not lost in Colonial Life Arena in the past three seasons. However, their undefeated season was tested yesterday in the national championship game against Iowa.

“For the first three minutes of the game, we got blown out,” Staley said.

Some Gamecocks fans were nervous during the title game, but not USC student Kallsen Wright, who attended all of the team’s home games this season. 

“I knew that our team had the depth to compete,” Wright said. “Caitlin Clark is a great player but one player versus 9 players does not add up. I knew that Gamecock nation would come through and win the game.”

After losing in the Final Four last season, USC’s returning players had a point to prove. Coach Staley says this group was unlike any she has coached during her career.

“They held each other accountable. They encouraged each other,” the coach said. “Each and every one of them took their turn to make an impact on any given night so that our team could be successful.”

“We got our freshman into the game. We didn’t hold back,” Wright said. “From the start of the season they were part of the game and kept going. That comradery built early on and propelled us to the end.”

In the end, the USC women’s basketball team took home a second title in three years, celebrating with the trophy in front of their loyal fans.

“I had to be here today. I got to see them up close and give them a high five,” said Gamecock fan Ruby Edwards. “It made my year. I love those girls and Dawn Staley.”

While all of Gamecock nation celebrates a perfect 38-0 season, you might imagine Staley already has an eye looking towards November and the new season.

The national champions will celebrate on Sunday with a parade in Columbia at 2 pm.